Nature notes VOLUME 9 SPRING 2021 - CENTRAL COAST STATE PARKS ASSOCIATION
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VOLUME 9 • SPRING 2021
CENTRAL COAST STATE PARKS ASSOCIATION CCSPA - SPRING 2021 | 1
J Staff Directory
ust like the ocean, our
lives are in constant
motion. The one thing
we can rely on is change. I Kristin Howland
remember some of the first Executive Director
parenting advice I received: ed@centralcoastparks.org
“Just when you feel like you (805) 548-0391
are going to break, the situa-
tion will change, remain pa- Alissa Maddren
tient.” That advice has rung Membership and Events Coordinator
true on more fronts than just membership@centralcoastparks.org
parenting, and this past year Kristin Howland (805) 548-0384
has made evermore clear that change is inevitable. The ebb
and flow of the daily grind fluctuate like tides. Sometimes Sheri Robesky
it feels like our lives are so full we are eroding at the banks, Retail Operations Coordinator
and then just like that it drains back out again and we find store@centralcoastparks.org
ourselves exposed. I am grateful for the currents that push (805) 548-0392
new life and wonder into our paths. I love that the tides of
life test our strengths and allow us room to grow. We find BOARD MEMBERS
resolve in the protections that offer us respite and security.
Marylou Gooden - Board Chair
Our Central Coast State Parks continue to be those special Cassandra Hammer - Secretary
places we go to ground and reconnect. We camp on their Robert Priola - Treasurer
earth, hike their trails, bike their mountains, surf their Tyler Conrad - Vice Chair
waves, play on their beaches and admire the beauty and Valerie Glahn - Director
wonder they provide us. Not only do our State Parks offer us Lisa Torres - Director
these “protections,” they also protect our cultural and natu- Elaine Rosenfield - Docent Council President
ral resources for our future generations.
STATE PARKS LIASONS
As we look to reopening, I can’t help but be excited about
welcoming docents, volunteers, the community and our
visitors back to our refreshed indoor spaces to explore and Danielle Bronson
engage with the dedicated State Park staff and docents. I am State Park Interpreter II
eager to hear the awe and wonder in children’s voices as Oceano Dunes District
they make connections with our natural world. I look for-
ward to the new opportunities for partnership with in-per- Eric Hjelstrom
son events and programming. Yet, I remain patient and flow Superintendent III
with the currents of change, knowing that nothing lasts for- SLO Coast District
ever and this too shall pass.
www.centralcoastparks.org
Here’s to the change of seasons, change of tides and to fu-
ture changes that allow us to go with the flow.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Kristin Howland Are you ready to make a difference? CCSPA is looking for
Executive Director new board members and volunteers! Contact us:
Central Coast State Parks Association
ed@centralcoastparks.org
CCSPA is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit. We are one of 85
similar cooperating associations across the state who work in
partnership with State Parks. Tax ID #: 51-0198869.
QUICK FACT
Cover photo: Brady Teufel
Newsletter design: Brady Teufel
29
The number of Marine Protected Areas between
Pigeon Point and Point Conception
2 | SPRING 2021 - CCSPA
MOrro bay museum of natural history upgrade
O
ne of the most exciting changes we can’t wait to the space with light and character. In addition, Marcie cre-
show off is the upgrades to the Museum of Natural ated a beautiful plan to bring the gift shop to life with real-
History in Morro Bay State Park. The closures due istic murals of our local flora and fauna. We were fortunate
to COVID allowed the time and space to give the muse- enough to be introduced to Mikka Olsson, a very talented
um some much needed love. We are so excited to breathe woodworker who updated our counters and display area.
some new life into the entrance and gift shop, starting with The incredible State Park Interpretive staff have addressed
a fresh coat of paint on the entrance exterior and the gift outdated exhibits and displays. We are thrilled to soon wel-
shop interior. We worked with local artist Marcie Haw- come visitors, volunteers, and docents to enjoy the new fea-
thorne and State Park staff to pick out colors that provided tures of the Museum of Natural History.
CCSPA - SPRING 2021 | 3
Eelgrass Loss and
Restoration in Morro Bay
L
ongtime residents and regular visitors remember
when the Morro Bay estuary was full of eelgrass. 2014
The receding tide revealed broad green meadows, the
long thin blades of this unassuming seagrass forming thick
mats on the muddy bay floor. Those meadows were full of
life. During low tide, you might spot a California sea hare
nestled amongst bright green shoots, or a tiny nudibranch
moving slowly along a single blade.
“
When the tide rose and submerged the meadows, the eel-
grass blades stood upright, forming a refuge where juvenile 2017
fish could hide from predators. Crabs and other inverte-
brates would scavenge among the eelgrass rhizomes (root-
like structures), for bits of decaying matter that had fallen
to the bay floor.
Some eelgrass beds have
shown exponential growth 2018
Because eelgrass is essential to life in the estuary, the Morro
Bay National Estuary Program began mapping eelgrass and
monitoring its health in the early 2000s. In 2007, more than
350 acres of eelgrass graced the bay. In 2012, only five years
later, more than 95% of that eelgrass had disappeared, leav-
ing only fifteen acres of eelgrass meadows where wildlife
could thrive as it had before.
2019
Since then, the Estuary Program has worked with partners,
including Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, to understand the caus-
es of this drastic decline and to restore eelgrass to Morro
Bay. Research has ruled out some potential causes, includ-
ing eelgrass wasting disease and drought, and studies are
still underway.
Restoration work is ongoing as well. During the summers
of 2012–2014, the Estuary Program and Cal Poly undertook 2020
4 | SPRING 2021 - CCSPA
> continued from previous page
large-scale transplanting efforts. Dozens of volunteers bun- Regular monitoring revealed that the transplant plots com-
dled eelgrass shoots together and SCUBA divers transplant- pleted in March were denser and had grown larger than
ed those bundles to places where eelgrass had disappeared. those planted in July. Spring, it seemed, might be the best
Though few plants at these restoration sites survived, these time to plant. Using this finding, the Estuary Program and
efforts produced valuable scientific knowledge and brought partners have conducted larger transplant efforts every
the community together. spring since then. This work has begun to pay off. Some eel-
grass beds have shown exponential growth. Others have
In 2016, small patches of eelgrass began popping up in the grown together to create large swaths of eelgrass, reminis-
mid- and back-bay, indicating that conditions had improved cent of the meadows that once filled the bay.
for eelgrass. In March and July of 2017, Estuary Program
staff, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and other partner and volun- The most recent mapping efforts from 2019 revealed 42
teers completed two small-scale experimental restoration acres of eelgrass in the bay, including restoration beds and
projects. These transplant efforts, funded by the California naturally occurring eelgrass patches. It will likely take years
Department of Fish and Wildlife, Duck Stamp Grant and the before the estuary regains the 350 acres it once boasted, but
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration showed it is invigorating to once again glimpse expanses of green as
measurable success. the tide goes out to sea each day. - Rachel Pass
Eelgrass regeneration along the subtidal channel 2017-2019
- Judy Espiau
CCSPA - SPRING 2021 | 5
lefueT ydarB
jason field, oceano dunes district’s archeologist
Big Sur. I recollect my imagination devising stories about
what might have previously happened at these locations.
As I grew up, that imagination evolved into education and I
learned about the actual stories and events of the landscape.
Consequently, one of my passions is learning the story of
a landscape, who lived where, why, and how. Nature, rec-
reation, and conservation are also important personal prin-
ciples. It was through a slow and steady process that these
passions guided my educational directions. Putting all the
elements together, I’m not surprised (but very thankful),
that it came full circle to working for State Parks.
What has been your favorite part of your position as
the archeologist thus far?
Overall, I enjoy my role as a steward and advocate for cul-
tural heritage. It has been super fascinating working in
the unique dune environment and studying the cultural
resources and how things change in the sand, being cov-
ered and uncovered. Encountering and documenting arti-
facts that might have been covered by sand for hundreds
of years only to be recently revealed is a unique and special
phenomeon that I feel privileged to engage with. Ensuring
Can you tell us a little about yourself? their protection, through collaboration with Tribal groups,
is also a fulfilling component of the position.
I am 30 years old and born and raised on the Monterey
Peninsula. As the years have passed, I’ve begun to realize What’s the most interesting artifact or story you have
how the Peninsula’s beautiful surroundings really shaped come across?
my values and priorities. My favorite activities are outdoors
and nature-oriented, including camping, hiking/ trail run- Each artifact or site has its own unique attribute, location,
ning, and mountain biking. I enjoy a good road trip and see- setting, story, etc. that makes it interesting, so it’s difficult
ing new landscapes. I also love traveling and experiencing to pinpoint one. I do really connect with the research that I
and appreciating new cultures. performed for my Master’s thesis. For this, I studied a mari-
time cultural landscape of “doghole ports” in Big Sur. These
How long have you been working for the State Parks were boat landings located in small treacherous coves with
and with Oceano Dunes District? chutes and other developments to load and unload cargo
from schooners in the late 1800s. Extracted resources, such
I’ve been with State Parks and Oceano Dunes since October as timber and limestone, would often set sail for San Fran-
2019, so about 1 ½ years now. cisco, contributing to its development boom. Studying the
archaeological features left from this industrial era gave a
Can you share any work or school history? perspective of Big Sur that’s much different than today, one
based on resource extraction and temporary gains.
I received a B.A. from UC Santa Barbara, with a major in
Cultural Anthropology, and a minor in American Indian What is the most important message you want our
and Indigenous Studies. I then attended Sonoma State for a community and visitors to know about Oceano Dunes
Master’s Degree in Cultural Resources Management. This District and/or protection of the cultural resources?
introduced some solid practical experience to kick start a
career. My previous archaeological-related work includes I believe we all have a role and responsibility in the pro-
the US Forest Service at the Modoc, Mendocino, and Stan- tection and appreciation of cultural heritage. We can all be
islaus National Forests and for the CA National Guard at stewards, starting with the most basic action of appreciat-
Camp Roberts and Camp San Luis Obispo. ing archaeological resources from a distance to avoid distur-
bances. These resources are sensitive and non-renewable,
Tell us about your passion and how it brought you to and the location of artifacts are necessary to tell the accu-
State Parks. rate tale of events. Native American cultural resources are
meaningful elements of their communities’ identity -- a link
Some of my earliest and best childhood memories trace that must be recognized through collective acknowledge-
back to adventures in the State Parks around Carmel and ment and preservation. - Interview by Monica Rutherford
6 | SPRING 2021 - CCSPA
REMEMBERING MISSY COLLETT “butterfly defender”
Missy was a docent for 13 years racking up close to 2,000
“
hours as a volunteer. The butterfly grove was not the only
area where she served as a docent. Every summer, for the
past five years, Missy and her best friend Barbara Haggerty
would volunteer with the otter project in Morro Bay. She
would help children spy the otters in the scope. In fact Mis-
sy and Barbara helped begin that program.
Missy was a docent for 13 years, racking
up more than 2,000 hours as a volunteer.
For over 10 years, the dynamic duo of Missy and Barbara
would deliver fire wood to Oceano and North Beach Camp-
grounds. They made lifelong friends with the campground
hosts doing this, and still correspond with some of them.
Outside of her docent work Missy volunteered for over 10
years with the food bank, driving her van, delivering food
and checking in on seniors. Missy loved being of service.
I
love November. It brings Thanksgiving, my favorite hol- She also loved going to concerts, the movies, playing cards
iday, and the start of butterfly season at the Monarch with docent friends and road trips with Barbara. The coro-
Grove in Pismo Beach. The past six years, butterfly sea- navirus took Missy’s life on Sunday, February 14th, 2021.
son for me, has meant working the morning shift, every Fri- When we can gather safely again, a get together for docents
day, in the trailer with my docent friend Missy Collet. Missy and friends is in the works.
was a fierce defender of the butterflies. No-one could ride a
bicycle in the grove on Missy’s watch. And if a mating pair I love November. It is Thanksgiving, a chance to be grate-
of monarchs would land on the ground Missy would bound ful for the really good people, like Missy, in our lives. It also
out of the trailer to stand guard until they took flight again. means the return of the butterflies, a chance to remember
Missy loved answering questions visitors might have about the beauty and wonder of nature that brings us all togeth-
the Monarchs, and if that visitor had a dog with them, they er as docents. - Judy Espiau
definitely got special attention.
MONARCH TRAILER UPDATE
W
e are excited to announce that in April we will
be relocating (migrating) the Monarch Trailer to
the entrance of the Oceano Dunes off of Grand
Avenue. 2020 was a challenging year with many ups and
downs, so with open arms we welcome 2021!
After months of planning and discussion, California State
Parks approved the relocation of the trailer and, for the
first time ever, the Monarch Trailer will be open to guests Some fun offerings will be available for purchase at the
all year round. Visitors will find the trailer in the parking trailer. Themes such as respecting our oceans, preservation,
lot next to Fin’s restaurant, where guests can also access the and sustainability will be highlighted to continue our edu-
one-mile boardwalk that meanders between the Monarch cational efforts. We will offer souvenirs, Central Coast State
Grove and the Oceano Dunes. We are especially excited to Parks apparel, and coastal maps featured on mugs, cards,
open up volunteer opportunities at the trailer to help em- glasses, and even blankets. We will also have a lot of fun
phasize and teach the public about the importance of beach family and kids’ educational items and activities to be dis-
clean up, endangered species, recycling and overall coastal covered. Please contact store@centralcoastparks.org with
education. general or volunteer inquiries.
CCSPA - SPRING 2021 | 7
surfing california’s state parks: past and present
F
or nearly 75 years, surfers have enjoyed the benefits traversed the waves on their plank canoe tomolo’o.
of access to some of the best beaches and surfing loca-
tions across the Golden State, thanks to the conserva- No one had ever ridden a wave on a surfboard outside of
tion efforts of countless individuals who have contributed Polynesia until 1885, when three Hawaiian princes school-
to the creation and management of California State Parks. ing in the Bay Area brought surfing to Santa Cruz. I recently
Providing quality recreation is part of the mission state- had the honor of reenacting this event in a documentary
ment of CA State Parks, and surfing is just one of the activ- film, and it really brought the historical significance of it
ities the public enjoys with this carefully crafted freedom home to my heart. This connection between Hawai’i, Cal-
– the best one I might add, but yes, I am a bit biased. As a ifornia and the art of wave riding continued giving birth to
professional surfer and now as the archaeologist and tribal modern surfing - now a globally recognized recreation.
liaison for the SLO Coast District, when not surfing abroad,
I have spent the greater portion of my life within our local The surfing culture here in SLO County is as colorful and
State Parks. diverse as the Golden State. Professionals, beach bums, stu-
dents, teenagers and visitors from abroad all convene at
California residents and visitors alike rely heavily on the classic lineups like Morro Rock. Here in SLO County, almost
State Park system to provide the space for their outdoor rec- all of the major surf spots save a few are located on State
reation; for many of us, our “sanity” depends on our ability Park beaches. From Oceano Dunes to Pismo State Beach,
to immerse ourselves in the great outdoors. Surfing is no from Montaña de Oro to Morro Strand, from Cayucos State
exception, as hundreds of miles of the California coastline Beach, Estero Bluffs, Harmony Headlands and on to Cam-
belong to State Parks, including some of the most iconic bria and San Simeon, the SLO Coast District extends for
surfing breaks in the state. Growing up in Cayucos in a surf- another 20 miles along the Hearst San Simeon State Park
ing family with a Native Hawaiian mother, the ocean and coastline to the Monterey County line.
surfing are intrinsically a part of my cultural makeup.
Tipping our salt water encrusted hats to the California State
Here in California, there was no surfing prior to the 1800s, Park system and all the individuals and organizations who
but I always imagine the Chumash people mind-surfing have been dedicated to conserving our coastline is part and
places like Malibu and Rincon (both State Parks) where parcel of what it is to be a part of the Central Coast commu-
waves peel perfectly for hundreds of meters and where nity. Surfers are just one group making up this great place,
these intrepid California Native American people regularly but one with a lot to be grateful for. - Chad Jackson
8 | SPRING 2021 - CCSPA
#GivingTuesday Fundraiser Success STORY
Photo courtesy Highway 1 Discovery Route
$7,500 Raised for the Spooner Ranch House public once again. Stay tuned for updates! In the meantime,
why not consider becoming a living history docent? You
T
hanks to the generosity of CCSPA members and our can put your dramatic talents to work playing the part of a
local community, we raised $7,500 for cleaning and member of the Spooner family at the turn of the 20th cen-
maintenance at the Spooner Ranch House in Mon- tury. For more information, contact State Park Interpreter
taña de Oro State Park in our “Help Us Clean House” Giv- Robyn Chase at (805) 286-0856 or via email at Robyn.Chase@
ing Tuesday fundraiser. Because of your support, the Ranch parks.ca.gov. We’ll also be looking for CCSPA volunteers to
House will undergo a thorough cleaning and detailing by work alongside our staff in the Spooner Ranch House Na-
professional cleaners in preparation for its reopening once ture Store once the Ranch House reopens. Contact CCSPA
Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. We are all eager to see the Retail Manager Sheri Robesky at (805) 548-0390 or via email
Ranch House looking refreshed and ready to welcome the at store@centralcoastparks.org.
Visit our online nature store for
unique gifts, apparel and books!
centralcoastparks.org
CCSPA - SPRING 2021 | 9
OCEANO DUNES DISTRICT Junior Lifeguard program
T
he ocean is such a powerful force of motion. The connections between youth and the wonders of the marine
power of the waves, the currents and the tides all environment while educating them on ocean safety.
shape and impact life within that salty, cold water.
The impact of these forces is also felt on humans. We have Program content includes instruction and practice in open
such deep connections with the ocean. These connections water swimming, paddle boarding, body surfing, body
can be made stronger and more meaningful through recre- boarding, surfboard riding, skin diving and self-rescue. Un-
ation. Coastal California State Parks have programming to derstanding and respect of the ocean environment is gained
foster connections between youth and the ocean environ- through discussion of relevant marine and environmental
ment. The Junior Lifeguard program is a statewide program topics. Students are immersed in a team-building environ-
that provides water safety education and is designed to ment with other youths and compassionate instructors.
improve the participants’ physical condition, their respect Youth ages 9-17 are encouraged to register for a summer
for the ocean environment and respect for themselves and filled with aquatic fun!
their peers.
Additional program information can be found by visiting
The Oceano Dunes District Junior Lifeguard Program be- https://bit.ly/2OdFRcR, or on Facebook by searching Ocea-
gan in 2013, and through the hard work of a few dedicated no Dunes Junior Lifeguard. Planning is still in progress for
staff, the program content and attendance has hugely in- the 2021 summer Junior Lifeguard program. Their webpage
creased over the years. The passion that staff have for this will be updated with information on registration, tryouts
program is truly incredible. They give their heart and soul and session dates. Please feel free to call our District Office
to these summer sessions in hopes of creating meaningful at 805-773-7170 for more information.
new partnership: ‘There
Does Not Exist Brewery!’
T
he Central Coast State Parks Association is thrilled
to announce a new collaboration with There Does
Not Exist Brewery! Who doesn’t love a refreshing
beverage after a day of hiking, biking, fishing, or surfing in
our local parks? Soon, you will be able to sip on a frosty ale
that gives back to your local State Parks. Coming in June,
TDNE will launch a new brew in honor of our Central and his team aim to push boundaries and experiment with
Coast State Parks. Stay tuned for more information and “classic” beer styles and hope that “one day they can look
for the “Launch Party!” In the meantime, we look forward back feeling they made a difference on Central Coast beer
to hosting our Get Outside! Film Series, “Shifting Tides: A culture and had a fun time doing it.”
Night of Surf Inspired Film” on March 27th at There Does
Not Exist Brewery in San Luis Obispo. Sample the fine TDNE practices sustainability and supports the commu-
brews, enjoy local cuisine, and sit back under the stars for nity. Their equipment allows them to use less chemicals
amazing cinematography! in cleaning and in turn, reduce output to the waste water
treatment facility. Aside from process-driven sustainabil-
TDNE was founded by Max Montgomery, a Central Coast ity, they “enjoy partnering with local businesses to bring
native who is “constantly driven to make the best beer we attention to other people or places that continue to make
can with the materials and equipment available to us.” He the Central Coast a great place to live.
10 | SPRING 2021 - CCSPAMARINE PROTECTED AREAS Each MPA has a unique set of regulations to ensure respon-
sible recreation while still protecting the surrounding eco-
system. There are several different classifications of MPAs
with varying regulations depending on the needs of the
area. Some MPAs regulate fishing or the take of any marine
or cultural resources, while others may completely prohibit
it. Either way, recreation is still very much encouraged in
and around these beautifully wild ocean environments.
Marine Protected Areas greatly contribute to a healthy and
diverse ocean. They serve as places where marine life can
thrive and as spaces where people can explore and enjoy
the beauty of the coast. - Monica Rutherford
For more information and to find the regulations for your
local MPAs, visit the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife website at www.wildlife.ca.gov/MPAs.
S
imilar to how state parks protect habitats and wild-
life on land, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) preserve
our underwater landscapes and all that lives there.
MPAs are crucial in maintaining healthy and abundant
marine ecosystems as well as promoting biodiversity and
responsible recreation. Along the California coast there
are 124 MPAs, making this the largest network of MPAs in
the world! Creating and maintaining the California MPAs
requires a statewide effort, including the collaboration of
California State Parks, the Department of Fish and Wildlife,
and many other partnering organizations. Along the San
Luis Obispo coast, we have MPAs adjacent to Point Buchon,
Morro Bay, Cambria, and Piedras Blancas.
MPAs are sanctuaries for all kinds of wildlife. They serve as
homes for hundreds of marine life, birds, plants, and mul-
tiple endangered species. Marine mammals like the har-
bor seal, southern sea otter, and California sea lion forage
through the kelp forests for food. Invertebrates like crabs
and clams live underneath the mud and silt. Hundreds of
seabirds and shorebirds migrate to these areas to rest and
eat. MPAs restore biodiversity and protect whole ecosys-
tems and their resources so that each species can thrive.
As well as being a home for several marine species, MPAs
are also places for people to enjoy and recreate in, whether
it be by swimming, fishing, tide pooling, boating, or diving.
CCSPA - SPRING 2021 | 11Central Coast State Parks Association
202 Tank Farm Road, Suite H2
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 548-0390
www.centralcoastparks.org
BECOME A NEW OR RENEWING CCSPA MEMBER
All members receive a copy of Nature Notes quarterly newsletter, discounts to CCSPA events and discounts at participating Public
Lands Alliance stores. Additional benefits include:
$25 Hummingbird $50 Otter $75 Raft of Otters $100 Coyote
H Two vouchers for H Free admissions for two Family Membership that All benefits of Raft of Otters
admission to the Morro Bay adults to the Mind Walks includes two adults and membership, plus:
Museum of Natural History Lecture Series unlimited kids 17 and under.
H Invitation to the Ice
H 10% discount at all H Four vouchers for All benefits of Otter Cream Social at Montaña
CCSPA nature stores admission to the Morro Bay membership, plus: de Oro
Museum of Natural History
H 15% discount at all
H 10% discount at all CCSPA nature stores
CCSPA nature stores
H Explore Parks Passport
discount coupon book
$250 Monarch $500 Gray Whale $1,000 Oak Grove $1,500 Keystone
(Corporate Sponsorship)
All benefits of Coyote All benefits of Monarch All benefits of Gray Whale
membership, plus: membership, plus: membership, plus: H Logo and link on website
H Invitation to Afternoon H Invitation to Martini de H Invitation to a behind-the- H Free small ad in Nature
with the Monarchs at Pismo Morro scenes tour of Hearst Castle Notes newsletter (option to
Monarch Butterfly Grove upgrade)
H Free small ad in the
H An exclusive holiday Explore Parks Passport
shopping night at the
discount book
Morro Bay Museum of
Natural History
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